Dear University of Chicago Community,
As the administrator responsible for services and programs dedicated to assisting all students in the exploration of the life of the mind outside the classroom, I am pleased to present this website, which gathers in one place information about how students are involved in planning and decision making at the University of Chicago. I believe that we make more informed decisions when students participate in examining the issues and developing programs for their academic, community, and cultural lives.
One major way that students participate in the University is through service on many special committees that advise University administrators, often providing insightful analysis and pragmatic feedback about proposed policies or programs. Some of these committees are also standing committees which are part of Student Government (SG). In SG, students take active roles in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), from running sports, academic, departmental, and cultural organizations to planning major events for the campus community. Further, the SG leadership and the Student Liaison to the University Board of Trustees, elected each year by the student body, regularly bring insight and concerns to the attention of senior administrators and the University Trustees. In addition, the administration and academic departments host departmental and divisional advisory committees, concerning everything from academic and disciplinary policies to student life issues like banking and dining. I hope that the committees and advisory boards described here — many with links to their web pages — provide a window into the University's commitment to fostering student involvement.
I hope that upon seeing the many opportunities for you to participate in the life of the University, you will be motivated to participate. These committees only work when students like you become involved. If you have issues or concerns you would like addressed, you should contact the people listed for each committee. If you have suggestions for further ways students might become involved in the life of the University, please contact me at:ebd1@uchicago.edu.
Best wishes,
Eleanor Daugherty, Assistant Vice-President for Student Life and Associate Dean of the College
